Salem, OR: The state's licensed cannabis industry has created over 12,500 new jobs and is generating over $300 million in annual wages, according to a preliminary economic report provided to the legislature's House Committee on Economic Development and Trade.

The report, authored by Whitney Economics, identified over 900 cannabis-related businesses (as of February 21, 2007), with another 1,225 businesses awaiting licensure. The report only identified businesses that work directly with the cannabis plant, and excluded auxiliary industries - such as those involved in consulting, accounting, grow equipment, and paraphernalia sales.

The group is expected to publish a more detailed economic analysis later this year.

An analysis published this past January by the online content provider Leafly.com estimated that nationwide there were 123,000 full-time employees working in the legal cannabis industry.

For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.